See the Timeless Beauty of The Ruins also Known as “Taj Mahal of Negros”

The Ruins in Talisay City is indeed one of the most popular tourist attractions in Negros Island Region, especially in the province of Negros Occidental. The timeless beauty of this old mansion never failed to amaze every Negrense and non-Negrense. The good thing about it is, it’s just a few minutes away from Bacolod-Silay airport.

Photo Credit: Reinel Pasquin

Many know about The Ruins, but only a few people know about the story behind it. Dubbed as “Taj Majal of Negros,” the background of The Ruins is slightly similar to India’s famous mausoleum.

The story goes this way: Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built the mansion in honor of his lovely wife Maria Braga. They met each other in Hongkong and started a family in Talisay City where they lived a happy life.
They were blessed with 10 children.

Photo Credit: Rose Amber Lacson

But when Maria was pregnant with her 11th child, she slipped in the bathroom which put her and her baby's life in danger. At that time, it would take two days to travel using horse-drawn carriage to Silay City to catch a doctor.

Unfortunately, Maria and her unborn child lost their lives before the doctor arrived. Don Mariano became depressed and to cope with it, he decided to spend most of his time building a house for his unmarried children.

With the help of Don Mariano’s father-in-law, the house ended up as a two-storey mansion. It was said that many construction materials were carted from Europe and China to Talisay City.

The finishing touches of walls and posts were made from a mixture of concrete and white eggs, making it like a marble-like finishing. It can be seen and felt up to this day.

After three years, the mansion of Italianate structure was finally finished. Built at the center of a farm, it was the largest residential structure during those days.

The Ruins is a proof of Don Mariano’s undying love for his wife. They had their initials molded on every post. And until now, the tourists can see 2 Ms on each post of the mansion wich stands for Mariano and Maria.

The story didn’t end there. When the World War II broke out, Don Mariano and his children left the house. There were rumors that the Japanese armed forces might use the mansion as their headquarters. So to prevent it, the mansion was intentionally burned down.

Everything was burned except the foundations. The skeletal structure remained and it has become one the most photographed landmarks in Negros. It’s fascinating that many photo enthusiasts are visiting to capture its one of a kind beauty.

Last time, Travel Negros asked its Facebook followers to share their photos at The Ruins, and here’s what they’ve captured:

Frequently asked questions:

How much is the entrance fee?

Adults- 95
Student and Senior Citizen- 45
Children- 20

How to get there?

From the airport, take a van going to Silay City proper. From there, catch a jeepney going to Talisay City and hire a tricycle going to The Ruins. The fare on tricycle usually starts at 100, but that will depend on your haggling skills.

There are also vans going to Bacolod from the airport. You may request the driver to drop you at the Ruins. The traveling time is less than 15 minutes.

From Ceres Northbound Terminal, walk a few meters going to Pepsi Bottling Station (a.k.a Bangga Pepsi) along the highway at Brgy. Bata and hire a trip directly to The Ruins for 10-15 minutes.

From Ceres Southbound Terminal, ride a jeep going to Brgy. Bata and ask the driver to drop you at Bangga Pepsi where you can hire a tricycle.

Note:

It is advisable to tell the driver to wait for you since there are no PUVs and tricycles outside The Ruins. The price again depends on your negotiation.

There are two bus terminals in Bacolod City and that should be considered when you are planning to go to the Ruins or other places in Negros.